The most common warning signs when purchasing B2B
Five situations in which it is worth stopping the payment and checking the seller, goods and documents again.
A single warning signal does not always indicate a fraud attempt. However, several inconsistencies occurring simultaneously should prompt the buyer to interrupt the process and collect additional evidence.
Pressure to pay immediately
Passwords about the last hour of the reservation, a special price only today or another customer waiting with a transfer limit the time for analysis. In a large B2B transaction, haste should not replace documents.
Set a realistic expiry date for the offer and ask for written booking conditions.
- no time for verification
- frequent date changes
- threat of immediate loss of goods
Account or payee for different details
If the invoice is issued by one company and the payment is to go to another entity or private person, you need a clear basis and document. Don't assume agency is obvious.
Confirm the change of account by phone to the previously known company number and compare it with official lists.
- private person account
- company from another country without explanation
- sudden change of bill
- non-compliance with the invoice
Refusal to show the goods
The seller may have operational limitations, but the complete refusal of current photos, video calls and inspections should increase caution. Especially when the offer is based solely on catalog materials.
Ask for a simple proof of validity: a piece of paper with the batch number and date visible next to the goods.
- stock photos only
- no batch numbers
- constantly postponing the conversation
- prohibition of inspection without reason
Inconsistent descriptions and documents
A different quantity in the offer, a different invoice, a changing product class or a different pickup location may result from an error but require explanation before payment. Uncollected parcels are unsorted and do not normally have a manifest - the mere absence of a manifest is not a warning signal.
The problem arises when the seller first promises an accurate manifest and then fails to provide it. Save the final parameters in one document or confirmed e-mail.
- different quantities or weights
- variable quality class
- another pickup location
- a promised but undelivered document
Price without real justification
The low price may result from the unsorted nature of the goods, lack of testing, sale of the entire batch or the need for quick collection. The natural absence of a manifest in uncollected parcels is not in itself a warning signal.
If the seller cannot clearly define what is being sold, stop payment. Count the full cost: goods, transport, sorting, losses, taxes and preparation for further sale.
- no cost calculation
- unclear condition of products
- no confirmed parameters
- price detached from specifications
Sources used in this article
Compare available lots
Check the parameters of a specific lot.